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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Real Madrid 'decision' hands Liverpool Jude Bellingham transfer boost as Gary Lineker reduced to tears

As the international break continues, it's time for your Liverpool FC morning digest on Tuesday, March 28.

Real Madrid make major 'transfer decision' that could hand Liverpool Jude Bellingham boost

Liverpool's hopes of signing Jude Bellingham have been given a major boost after a report in Spain appeared to take Real Madrid out of the running altogether.

It's no secret that the Borussia Dortmund midfielder is the Reds' number one target this summer, but it has been widely reported that they face competition for his signature from both the European Champions and Manchester City.

But the latest update from Spanish sports paper Marca suggests that Los Blancos will not be doing any major business this summer, seemingly ruling out a move for the 19-year-old England international, who is expected to command a transfer fee in excess of £100million.

READ MORE: I would ask all Liverpool players just one question before they face Man City

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has already warned Liverpool about £40m transfer that could help solve midfield crisis

The claim comes after suggestions that the Brazil national team want Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next head coach. But Marca believes that the former Everton boss will stay put, honouring his contract.

Read the full story HERE.

Gary Lineker reduced to tears after Ian Wright and Alan Shearer Match of the Day boycott

Gary Lineker has admitted he was moved to tears by the show of support he received from Ian Wright and Alan Shearer during his fall-out with the BBC.

The Match of the Day host was asked to stand down from his role by the corporation after he publicly criticised the government's new policy for tackling the issue of small boats crossing the English channel. The former England international suffered a backlash following his social media comments and was effectively forced off air after being told that he had breached the broadcaster's impartiality guidelines.

But the long-serving anchorman quickly received support from Wright, who Tweeted soon after that he would also not be appearing on Match of Day if Lineker was not allowed to fulfil his role. And fellow show pundit Shearer soon followed suit, plunging the BBC Sport editorial team into crisis.

Eventually, the show was broadcasted on March 11, without presenters or studio guests and with the BBC's commentary team also siding with Lineker, a scaled-back highlights show was put out instead, lasting just 20 minutes.

Lineker has since described how he couldn't believe what unfolded and how he reacted to the news that Wright and Shearer had led a boycott in solidarity with him. Speaking on The Rest Is Politics podcast, Lineker said: "It was funny. I was in a restaurant, and then in the back of the car, and firstly when Ian Wright pulled out of the show, and then when Alan did as well, Alan Shearer, and I must admit I had a tear in my eye."

Read the full story HERE.

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